"At first, takot and pressured ako, because she does so well in Celebrity Duets. Performance level palagi si Direk Gina and super high-energy ang performances and she's known for that," Carla Abellana said about Gina Alajar. The two performed together at the Halloween special of Celebrity Duets shown last Saturday, October 31.
PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) chanced upon Geoff Eigenmann and Carla backstage after the performance. Geoff, who is Carla's love team partner, is the son of Gina to actor and ex-husband, Michael de Mesa.
Carla Abellana relates Celebrity Duets experience with Gina Alajar
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
02:09 PM
Rating
Rosalinda lead star Carla Abellana did a good job in concealing her anxiety at the special Halloween episode of the interactive reality-based singing competition, Celebrity Duets, aired last Saturday, October 31.
Carla served as singing partner to seasoned actress and Celebrity Duets contestant, Gina Alajar. The two delivered an inspired performance of the Spice Girls' 1998 upbeat hit, "Stop," with Gina's son and Carla's love-team partner, Geoff Eigenmann, eagerly watching from the audience stand.
Gina drew the collective appreciation of the three judges, namely, Danny Tan, Tessa Prieto-Valdez and Freddie Santos—all complimenting Gina's natural ability to project herself in sync with the vibe and mood of any chosen number.
Veteran concert and theater director, Freddie Santos, enthusiastically summed up Gina's performance by saying, "Ang sarap-sarap mong panoorin!"
The award-winning actress is one of the remaining five contestants of the show, alongside Brazilian-Japanese model Akihiro Sato, entrepreneur Joel Cruz, photographer Niccolo Cosme, and actor-turned-producer Jomari Yllana.
ONE-DAY REHEARSAL. Carla's cool disposition during the performance concealed the fact that she was very tense and "pressured," knowing Gina's current standing as one of the genuine favorites to take home the grand prize. It also didn't help that the singing partners only had limited time to run through the material before being called onstage to deliver their duet in front of the judges and studio audience.
"At the same time, it was such an honor to work with her, because she's super fun and kalog. When she first asked, I didn't think twice and just said yes. Buti na lang, I was also familiar with the songs, because we only had that day to rehearse. It didn't feel like work. Enjoy!" Carla told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) through e-mail forwarded during the weekend.
Despite of the hastily arranged rehearsal, the quick meeting enabled Carla to catch a glimpse of Gina's character as commonly relayed by her closest friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
"She's very nice and kalog," the pretty newcomer described her partner. "I feel I can talk to her as a friend," continued Carla, who excitedly added that Gina gave her Tori Birch sandals and Joe Malone perfume as presents.
Gina's ability to be loose and professional at the same time amused Carla. In previous interviews, Gina has repeatedly downplayed her chances in winning the contest, saying she's not a professional singer.
Carla dismissed Gina's qualms: "As a singer, galing! Performance level talaga and magaling din siyang mag-alalay sa ka-duet."
Geoff was "shocked" on learning of the team-up, surmised Carla, but he eventually became excited, as proven by his reaction inside the studio.
"Regarding our performance naman, we're not sure what his comments are. Better ask him na lang," she politely said in closing.
- Carla Abellana asks for "time off" to make the decision to stay with GMA-7 or move to ABS-CBN
- Carla Abellana in quandary about staying in GMA-7 or transferring to ABS-CBN
- Carla Abellana denies tiff with boyfriend Geof Eigenmann over her daring roles: "Ay, hindi... Unang-una, artista kami bago kami naging boyfriend-girlfriend."
- Carla Abellana is hoping for a year that is not "kasing stressful at kasing-ngarag ng 2011"
- Carla Abellana refutes being hindered by Regal Films to promote Asiong Salonga ; says no "legal threats" hound her
Get showbiz news anytime, anywhere on your mobile! Just key in PEP ON and send to 4627. Available to all Sun, Globe, and Smart subscribers.
More News
- Liz Uy keeps mum about rumored romance with Ely Buendia; refuses to comment on PNoy-Grace Lee hookup
- Katrina Halili on Hayden Kho's return to showbiz: "Ow? That guy? He's coming back? Oh, good luck to him!"
- Lea Salonga compares professionalism of teen stars then and now: "It just seems to be a different culture, it just seems to be a very different showbiz..."
- Barbie Forteza walkout on the set not true, says mom; they were given permission to leave early because they had a plane to catch
- Erik Santos: "Pwede ko bang i-try maging Martin Nievera?"
- Manny Pacquiao a changed man since he started reading the Bible
-
All About
Eugene Domingo: "I hope that the 'woman in the septic tank' gets to wear a gown and walk on the red carpet at the Kodak Theatre!"
-
TV Rating TNS
Three GMA-7 soaps aired their pilot episodes Monday.
-
Theater
Cirque Mother Africa will be presented from April 19-22 at Resorts World Manila
Dancers, percussionists, singers, acrobats and contortionists will impress audiences with a unique African-themed spectacle.
-
Travels
Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban in South Africa!
Angelica singles out this trip for bringing her and Derek closer.
Most Popular
- Marian Rivera explains visit to taping of a TV5 show; comments on Iza Calzado's transfer to ABS-CBN
- Grace Lee on President Noynoy Aquino: "I like him."
- Part 2 Dolly Anne Carvajal on Carmina Villarroel-Claudine Barretto issue: "I stand by my story."
- Kris Aquino: "Annulment is not a cause for joy. The truth is, it was a marriage that failed but it's a cause for optimism."
- Talent manager Shirley Kuan on columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal: "She can stick to her story. She has a story to tell, fine. But it's a lie."
- PEP SPECIAL REPORT PART I: Why the marriage of Kris Aquino and James Yap was declared null and void
- Mark Bautista remains friends with Piolo Pascual after being involved in the actor's breakup with KC Concepcion
- Director Mac Alejandre talks about his four-year contract with TV5 and reveals the real reason he left GMA-7
- Part 2 Ynna Asistio to Annabelle Rama: "Bakit napakahirap na pakawalan kami kung talagang ayaw mo sa amin at ipinilit lang kami ng nanay ko sa iyo?"
- Hayden Kho, Jr. insists there is "NO infidelity issue" between him and Dra. Vicki Belo; apologizes to Nancy Castiglione
Advertisement
